Worsening Symptoms Negative Tests

[Gaz1234]

Dear Drs,
I'm starting to get really concerned regarding the worsening symptoms I've experienced over the last 4 years.
Basically, I had drunken sex with an African CSW in the red light district of a German city. I can't remember the whole experience only that the sex started as protected oral and there was vaginal. But, I remember her asking me if I wanted to remove the condom as I was having problems performing. I can't remember if i did have unprotected sex or not.
Anyway, I had full on flu symptoms 4 weeks after this encounter that lasted a week.
I got tested here in the UK at 7 weeks at a GUM clinic and it was negative. Got tested again at 12 weeks and again neg.
However, I was plagued by bowel problems after this and was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel. I forgot about HIV and got on with my life.
However, 2 years ago I started to get noticeable gum recession. This drove me to test again. This was a 4th gen test and negative. But, my gum problems have worsened to the point where the recession is considereble and I get constant pain in my gums.
In addition, I was diagnosed by my GP with Seborrhoic Dermatitis which I need to treat constantly with cream.
Over the last couple of years I've tested another 9 times ( 4 rapid tests, 4 4th gen tests and most recently a Taqscreen MPX nat test) all negative.
This week though I developed oral thrush. Very distinct and obvious thrush in several patches on my tongue and under it. My tongue is so sore as a result.
My wife has started to get gum problems and dermatitis issues too.
I'm really concerned that I may have some kind of mutated or rare strain or that I'm not making the specific antibodies sensitive to the tests. Do you have any suggestions as to what I should do?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

If you were tested, the results of pooled testing, when negative are very reliable.  Really, you do not need to be worried aobut HIV. EWH

[Gaz1234]

Hi Dr Hook,
Thanks for reply. I should have also mentioned that I had a gastroscopy about 3 years ago and was diagnosed with gastritis and duodenitis. However, there was no H Pylori infection causing the inflammation. It's as if my immune system has gone mental where mucus membranes are concerned. I understand this is a symptom of HIV. I'd believe it was an autoimmune problem if my wife wasn't suffering the same symptoms. So therefore, it must be contagious.
I'm also a bit wary of the nat test result. The clinic and testing lab can't tell me or don't know whether my test was pooled or tested on it's own. I understand that pooled testing is less accurate for samples from outside the Antibody testing window period.
Thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The statistical chance of all of your tests being negative and still having HIV is effectively zero.  This is irrespective of who you had sex with or your circumcison status.  No matter how many time you multiple zero, it is still zero.  EWH

[Gaz1234]

Dear Dr Hook,
Thanks again for your reply. If you don't mind me asking was is the statistical chance of receiving 12 false negatives including a nat test after my encounter with an African CSW. It's difficult for me to put this into perspective as a lot of the info relates to the industrialised world. Btw, I am not circumcised which I guess elevates my risk.
Thank you

[Edward W Hook, MD]

then you and I have to disagree.  I believe in the science and the tests -they've proven accurate in millions and millions of people with and wiothout HIV.  My suggestion is that you get a second opinion if your current doctor cannot help.   On the other hand, if he/she agrees with my perspective, you are out voted and despite your statements to the contrary, should consider that you may be a bit of a hypochondriac.  EWH

[Gaz1234]

Hi Patricius.

I don't follow you with the 4 years then aids reply. My understanding was that without meds it takes on average 10 years to develop full blown aids.

[Gaz1234]

Dear Dr Hook,

Thanks for your reply. I have had other unexplained symptoms in addition to those I've mentioned but, never managed to resolve the cause through my GP. For almost 2 years I've had on and off urethritis. Tested negative for bacterial std's several times. I've also got vitiligo patches. I'm totally in limbo with no progress to find a cause for what is going on with me.
I want to stress that I'm not a hyperchondriac. These are very real and clearly visible symptoms. I'm finding it difficult to discount HIV as the cause because I haven't found the cause yet and the oral thrush I've recently had appears to be inextricably linked to immunosupression.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our site.  I do not mean to sound unsympathetic but I feel strongly that you need to believe your test results.  The symptoms you describe are, to be honest, non-specific and could be caused by any of a large number of different problems.  When symptoms don't agree with lab tests, the lab tests always win.  I worry that your continued focus on HIV could be keeping you from getting what is causing your difficulties clarified.

The possibility of some alien HIV strain is simply not a realistic possibility. Between your multiple antibody tests and negative PCR, there would have been a clue that this is present.

I hope this comment is helpful to you.
EWH

[Patricius]

all the tests you have had come out negative
you dont have HIV

lets say you did, and you acquired this 4 years ago - chances are without meds you would have developed fully blown AIDS by now and be dead. Over. But you didnt and you havent so youre negative

It sounds like you have stress/anxiety/dietary issues. Your wife may have dietary issues also. The skin issues could be something in the water in your area or maybe not enough fresh air/fruits/sunshine.